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Good Breeding
Adopted as a baby, Giles Frobisher has grown up with every privilege. Encouraged by his best friend—and secret crush—Oz to seek out his birth mother, he’s appalled to discover she’s loud, lower-class, and insists on calling him Wayne!Giles’ snobbier-than-thou, none-too-faithful boyfriend Hugh is equally horrified, and Oz, who’s always been secretive about his own family, starts acting very strangely.It seems Giles is about to learn that good breeding has nothing to do with who your parents are!
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2012
31 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Merrow
145 books1,324 followersJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 9, 2012
Oh yep another tiny excerpt which I hate because just as things start getting interesting you get to the inevitable last page and its all done and dusted. I wanted more, there wasn't enough of a story for me to love it, if it was ever expanded into a novel then I would definitely read it. The guys were sweet and deserved a bit more of a romance. Sometimes I wonder if these shorties are worth reading as I tend to get exasperated with the abrupt endings.
August 12, 2020
A super cute super funny short,
Giles is adorable when he is not being an arse lol.
Oz is perfect, patiently waiting in the wings.
Would of loved to see a little retribution for Hugh, but maybe a sequel/follow on could cover that?
As with another J L Merrow character, Angie was a bit OTT, but I liked her anyway lol.
A fun tongue in cheek read.
ETA Still a sweet fun read, but alas no sequel still.
Giles is adorable when he is not being an arse lol.
Oz is perfect, patiently waiting in the wings.
Would of loved to see a little retribution for Hugh, but maybe a sequel/follow on could cover that?
As with another J L Merrow character, Angie was a bit OTT, but I liked her anyway lol.
A fun tongue in cheek read.
ETA Still a sweet fun read, but alas no sequel still.
September 15, 2025
This was a fun short story by JL Merrow. When Giles, who’s adopted, sets out to find his birth mother, he gets quite a surprise. Giles, who you could definitely call a bit snobbish, discovers that his mother is very working-class and you could say he really didn’t see that one coming. 3 ⭐⭐⭐
January 5, 2013
For a short I really loved the humour in this one.
Yes, Angie and her family are right "chavs" and are portrayed really well, just like any sitcom a little OTT maybe. The way it was written I could just hear the whole chav dialect oh so clearly in my head. For anyone who knows them, I immediately had the characters Daisy and Onslow in my head from the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances - lol!
As for Giles, well I don't think he really is that much of a snob on the inside, Hugh was his main problem, but that solved itself in the end with Oz.
If this short had been a teaser for a longer book, I would pick it up immediately. Definitely left me wanting more, which for me is a good sign for a short.
Yes, Angie and her family are right "chavs" and are portrayed really well, just like any sitcom a little OTT maybe. The way it was written I could just hear the whole chav dialect oh so clearly in my head. For anyone who knows them, I immediately had the characters Daisy and Onslow in my head from the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances - lol!
As for Giles, well I don't think he really is that much of a snob on the inside, Hugh was his main problem, but that solved itself in the end with Oz.
If this short had been a teaser for a longer book, I would pick it up immediately. Definitely left me wanting more, which for me is a good sign for a short.
January 27, 2013
I really need to read more by JL Merrow.
May 30, 2013
Why oh why are thou so short?
This is a cute little short, although as a non-Brit I had to think a bit on a few of the words, but it was pretty self-explanatory.
Giles grew up knowing he was adopted, and with a push from his best friend Oz he finally goes to see his birth mother and the rest of her family.
To say he was surprised might be an understatement, Giles is a bit of a snob, but deep down he isn't, his BF is just a real asshat and a bad influence on him.
I liked that you are more than where you come from, or who your parents are, or your social status.
I would have loved for this one to be longer, show me Oz and Giles friendship, show me Oz's longing for him, I want to see Hugh getting his comeuppance, a real relationship with his birth family, give me a peek at their future together, maybe a trip to Greece to look for dear ol' dad?
This is a cute little short, although as a non-Brit I had to think a bit on a few of the words, but it was pretty self-explanatory.
Giles grew up knowing he was adopted, and with a push from his best friend Oz he finally goes to see his birth mother and the rest of her family.
To say he was surprised might be an understatement, Giles is a bit of a snob, but deep down he isn't, his BF is just a real asshat and a bad influence on him.
I liked that you are more than where you come from, or who your parents are, or your social status.
I would have loved for this one to be longer, show me Oz and Giles friendship, show me Oz's longing for him, I want to see Hugh getting his comeuppance, a real relationship with his birth family, give me a peek at their future together, maybe a trip to Greece to look for dear ol' dad?
March 14, 2018
This is a humorous short story which touches on various topics including family, class, snobbery and friendships, in a highly entertaining manner. While some of the characters may appear over the top at times, the story's pathos lends it a dignity and honesty that rings true for the story as a whole.
December 10, 2012
Well, a short read in between and I don't need to read more about this couple.
December 18, 2012
A sweet story about men who are raised in a different class from the one they were born in.
January 6, 2013
Very cute.
October 31, 2021
Short and sweet, this story was full of humour, crisply-drawn characters and situations. Giles' initial snobbishness was hilarious and countered by Oz's more nuanced approach to class. A vibrant coming of age story and great fun to read.
February 1, 2013
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
This is less a romance and more of a bit of an eye-opening journey for a young man, who happens to find some romance on the way. It starts with Giles’ friend Oz encouraging him to knock on the door of his birth mom. As probably many adoptees, Giles has an image of what he imagines his real mother is like, however he’s in for a rude awakening as she turns out to be a rather uncouth lower class woman who can’t even remember his father’s real name. After an awkward introduction to her husband and his two half-siblings, he can’t wait to get out of there. She is everything he finds repulsive, however a little bit of an eye-opening talk from his friend makes him wonder if he really is a snob. When even his mother confirms it, to his chagrin, it gives him something to think about.
The ultimate kick in the gut comes when his boyfriend dumps him after finding out that he is adopted and his birth-mother is not of the “right” class. It was interesting to see Giles wake up from the kind of cotton wool he’d wrapped around himself with his long-term boyfriend. His birth-mother and his mother both saw something between him and Oz that he was oblivious too. I think it’s easy to get in the position Giles was in, kind of caught up in the status quo without really thinking about why you do something, or think something, and what the wider implications of that were. Granted, his step-siblings left something to be desired, but he was welcomed into the family with open arms.
It’s got hints of the author’s humour, but it’s not a laugh out loud type book, more of a quiet contemplation with a some humour along the way to keep it from being too dour and angsty. Fans of the author will definitely enjoy the story and I think it would be a good intro as well to get a taste for the author’s voice.
This is less a romance and more of a bit of an eye-opening journey for a young man, who happens to find some romance on the way. It starts with Giles’ friend Oz encouraging him to knock on the door of his birth mom. As probably many adoptees, Giles has an image of what he imagines his real mother is like, however he’s in for a rude awakening as she turns out to be a rather uncouth lower class woman who can’t even remember his father’s real name. After an awkward introduction to her husband and his two half-siblings, he can’t wait to get out of there. She is everything he finds repulsive, however a little bit of an eye-opening talk from his friend makes him wonder if he really is a snob. When even his mother confirms it, to his chagrin, it gives him something to think about.
The ultimate kick in the gut comes when his boyfriend dumps him after finding out that he is adopted and his birth-mother is not of the “right” class. It was interesting to see Giles wake up from the kind of cotton wool he’d wrapped around himself with his long-term boyfriend. His birth-mother and his mother both saw something between him and Oz that he was oblivious too. I think it’s easy to get in the position Giles was in, kind of caught up in the status quo without really thinking about why you do something, or think something, and what the wider implications of that were. Granted, his step-siblings left something to be desired, but he was welcomed into the family with open arms.
It’s got hints of the author’s humour, but it’s not a laugh out loud type book, more of a quiet contemplation with a some humour along the way to keep it from being too dour and angsty. Fans of the author will definitely enjoy the story and I think it would be a good intro as well to get a taste for the author’s voice.
March 2, 2016
Overall
Utterly adorable. Good, clean fun in a short story.
Review
This is less a romance than a look at English social class, genes versus environment, and an inner reflection in a cute, humorous way. The main character is a classic "too blind to see the love in front of him" type but the characters in the story make this tale come to life.
There are no real surprises or twists, just a slice of life as a snob finds out his true heritage, the unveiling of which reveals truths about his boyfriend and his best friend. A character study of sorts, although I don't think this short takes itself quite so serious, although it touches upon serious topics. It's a feel-good romantic comedy and I think it plays out perfectly.
Because this is a short story, there isn't a whole lot of meat here, but that would probably be my only complaint. And along those lines, while it's not meaty, it is a good thick broth with some hearty chunks. (Me and my food comparisons, right?) For what this is, I think it brings a lot to the table, and that's what really won me over with this story.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Utterly adorable. Good, clean fun in a short story.
Review
This is less a romance than a look at English social class, genes versus environment, and an inner reflection in a cute, humorous way. The main character is a classic "too blind to see the love in front of him" type but the characters in the story make this tale come to life.
There are no real surprises or twists, just a slice of life as a snob finds out his true heritage, the unveiling of which reveals truths about his boyfriend and his best friend. A character study of sorts, although I don't think this short takes itself quite so serious, although it touches upon serious topics. It's a feel-good romantic comedy and I think it plays out perfectly.
Because this is a short story, there isn't a whole lot of meat here, but that would probably be my only complaint. And along those lines, while it's not meaty, it is a good thick broth with some hearty chunks. (Me and my food comparisons, right?) For what this is, I think it brings a lot to the table, and that's what really won me over with this story.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
August 4, 2013
The idea behind this short M/M short story is good and the potential of the interaction between snobbish Giles and his biologic mother is explored successfully enough through some neat paragraphs.
Unfortunately the author overdoes him, making not simply an English snob out of him but a ridiculous, unappealing caricature.
His conversations with Oz, a sadly neglected character, seem more a commentary on the types of alcohol available to them than revealing moments.
P.S. In Puccini's Bohème there is no mezzo soprano at all, by the way. Leoncavallo's has one but his version is never given.
Unfortunately the author overdoes him, making not simply an English snob out of him but a ridiculous, unappealing caricature.
His conversations with Oz, a sadly neglected character, seem more a commentary on the types of alcohol available to them than revealing moments.
P.S. In Puccini's Bohème there is no mezzo soprano at all, by the way. Leoncavallo's has one but his version is never given.
December 3, 2015
I liked the story and the characters. It would have been better if the author had made it longer and filled in the character relationships better. It is too rushed. Can't say more or I'll spoil it for others. Took one star off for the rushed ending.
May 27, 2023
Good Breeding
By J.L. Merrow
It was a very short story that was not quite what I was expecting. If it had been expanded on at the end instead of ending so swiftly I might have enjoyed it more.
By J.L. Merrow
It was a very short story that was not quite what I was expecting. If it had been expanded on at the end instead of ending so swiftly I might have enjoyed it more.
April 10, 2013
Really enjoyable short story with a very British feel.
March 3, 2013
Nice little short story - one extra star cause it's a freebie.
November 16, 2014
This was a nice little short friends to lovers story.
January 2, 2015
Seemed to be an idea paper for a possible novel. I would read the longer version.
July 6, 2013
Too short to really get into it, but a pleasant very short read.
March 28, 2018
Wow, this was really, really short, and I didn't realize how short it was going to be going in. This is partially my fault (I didn't look at the page numbers or any reviews going in), but I just read the blurb and jumped in, so I didn't know it was going to be so short.
And this story's shortness is a definite problem because there isn't really much space to explore Giles's background or character development, and we aren't really able to understand what it about him that draws Oz to him. Ultimately, Giles just seems like a stuck-up snob, albeit less of one at the end of the book (and the change came quickly and without much struggle on Giles's part . . . because it had to, for the sake of the page numbers).
However, that isn't to say story was necessarily bad. It was a neat little premise, and I really liked Oz, who seemed like a really fun character, for all that we only knew him for a short period of time. I simply think that the story would have worked better had it been longer.
I'm also giving it a bonus star for being free, free, free.
And this story's shortness is a definite problem because there isn't really much space to explore Giles's background or character development, and we aren't really able to understand what it about him that draws Oz to him. Ultimately, Giles just seems like a stuck-up snob, albeit less of one at the end of the book (and the change came quickly and without much struggle on Giles's part . . . because it had to, for the sake of the page numbers).
However, that isn't to say story was necessarily bad. It was a neat little premise, and I really liked Oz, who seemed like a really fun character, for all that we only knew him for a short period of time. I simply think that the story would have worked better had it been longer.
I'm also giving it a bonus star for being free, free, free.
November 4, 2021
Although we shouldn't laugh the meeting between refined Giles and his less than refined birth mother was quite funny, but we shouldn't laugh, should we? Coming from England originally as I read her lines my brain played her cockney voice, word for word, I laughed as poor stunned, snobby Giles stood, rooted to the floor in horror. But, aside from her lower than Giles's upbringing, Angie has a heart of gold, it just takes a while for Giles, with his slightly uppity ways, to realize that. A sweet short story, wonderfully written in British speak, it took me back to when I lived and worked in London and had a boyfriend who lived in Putney, where Angie lived.
January 30, 2018
I thought it was a cute and entertaining story. The characters are a bit overdone and considering the length, rather one dimensional. But I thought I could really get to like them, if the book where just a bit longer.
It's not really a romance though. It's more of a growing up story for Giles, who finds out that not only his own roots are lower class but also where his best friend comes from and has to reassess his values.
I thought we didn't get enough interaction of Giles and Oz to really sell the romance.
It's not really a romance though. It's more of a growing up story for Giles, who finds out that not only his own roots are lower class but also where his best friend comes from and has to reassess his values.
I thought we didn't get enough interaction of Giles and Oz to really sell the romance.
June 21, 2017
3.5 I actually wound up liking this more than I expected. Giles wasn't as big an ass as I'd suspected he'd be, Oz was a sweetie, and Hugh... OMG, there are no words to describe the SOB. If living well is the best revenge, I hope one day Hugh gets to see Giles and Oz together and realizes what he's lost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2023
3.5 stars. This was a funny and interesting short, I liked the main couple and the humour. But it was a bit too short to not leave me unsatisfied in the end, and it wasn't exactly heavy on romance, so it's no wonder I wanted a bit more. I like novellas but stories this short rarely work for me completely.
November 9, 2022
1.5 Stars
Good writing and decent event building though no erotica which sucked as the title and synopsis was kinda false advertising.
Pros
Good writing
Good events and character build
Cons
False advertising
Not erotica even know author promised in this one.
Some of the events lacked enjoyment.
Good writing and decent event building though no erotica which sucked as the title and synopsis was kinda false advertising.
Pros
Good writing
Good events and character build
Cons
False advertising
Not erotica even know author promised in this one.
Some of the events lacked enjoyment.
March 31, 2020
Another one where JL Merrow shows off her knack for class code-switching dialogue to brilliant effect, while bringing a message of acceptance, kindness, and empathy.
October 9, 2024
Utterly delightful short from a fave author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews